International

In pictures: George Best statue unveiled at Windsor Park BelfastTelegraph.co.uk A statue has been unveiled of footballing hero George Best outside Windsor Park in Belfast. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/in-pictures-george-best-statue-unveiled-at-windsor-park-38137819.html https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/incoming/article38137697.ece/d2b94/AUTOCROP/h342/iled%20in%20Belfast21.jpg Email A statue has been unveiled of footballing hero George Best outside Windsor Park in Belfast. The Manchester United and Northern Ireland star has been immortalised in bronze in the shadow of the stadium he graced so many times for his national side. Best’s sister Barbara McNarry and fellow Northern Ireland great Pat Jennings revealed the life-size tribute to a crowd of fans on what would have been the former European Player of Year’s 73rd birthday. He died in 2005 after a long battle with illness linked to alcoholism. The statue, which captures Best … [Read more...] about In pictures: George Best statue unveiled at Windsor Park

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — At least 30 people were killed and nearly 300 wounded in near simultaneous blasts that rocked three churches and three hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, officials said. The state-run newspaper in the country is reporting at as many as 129 people are dead. The blasts caused fatalities among worshippers and hotel guests, a security official said. Two of the blasts were suspected to have been carried out by suicide bombers, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak with reporters. St. Anthony's Shrine and the three hotels where the blasts took place are in Colombo, and are frequented by foreign tourists. According to local media, 48 people died and 283 others were admitted to area hospitals for treatment. National Hospital spokesman Dr. Samindi Samarakoon told The Associated Pres that 30 died while the wounded were being treated in the capital Colombo's main hospital. Alex Agieleson, who was near … [Read more...] about Dozens dead after explosions in Sri Lanka

James McClean hits out at Declan Rice over England switch BelfastTelegraph.co.uk James McClean has told any other Irish player tempted to follow Declan Rice into the England squad to “sod off and play for someone else”. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/james-mcclean-hits-out-at-declan-rice-over-england-switch-37954209.html https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/article37954208.ece/8a666/AUTOCROP/h342/bpanews_c4bcd858-f6a9-4f78-b02e-6a701f28a221_1 Email James McClean has told any other Irish player tempted to follow Declan Rice into the England squad to “sod off and play for someone else”. Derry-born McClean played under-21 football for Northern Ireland but opted to represent the Republic at senior level, where he played alongside Rice until the West Ham midfielder switched allegiance. Asked about Rice in an interview with Irish broadcaster RTE, McClean said: “He said he was a proud Irishman. Then he said he … [Read more...] about James McClean hits out at Declan Rice over England switch

Josh Magennis the hero as Northern Ireland leave it late to beat Belarus and top Euro 2020 qualifying group BelfastTelegraph.co.uk Substitute Josh Magennis was the hero as Northern Ireland left it late to beat a stubborn Belarus at Windsor Park. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/josh-magennis-the-hero-as-northern-ireland-leave-it-late-to-beat-belarus-and-top-euro-2020-qualifying-group-37943592.html https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/incoming/article37946545.ece/efb12/AUTOCROP/h342/BT_K1775.jpg Email Substitute Josh Magennis was the hero as Northern Ireland left it late to beat a stubborn Belarus at Windsor Park. Jonny Evans had given the hosts a first-half lead but Belarus hit back quickly, Igor Stasevich bagging the leveller. As Northern Ireland dominated, it took Magennis to pop up with his fifth international goal on 87 minutes to make it two wins from two and leave Northern Ireland top of Group C. Evans' third goal for Northern Ireland opened … [Read more...] about Josh Magennis the hero as Northern Ireland leave it late to beat Belarus and top Euro 2020 qualifying group

Northern Ireland ease past Estonia as Jones stars to help get Euro 2020 campaign off to victorious start BelfastTelegraph.co.uk Northern Ireland picked up their first competitive victory since September 2017 by easing past Estonia 2-0 at Windsor Park. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/northern-ireland-ease-past-estonia-as-jones-stars-to-help-get-euro-2020-campaign-off-to-victorious-start-37936891.html https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/incoming/article37939190.ece/00754/AUTOCROP/h342/BT_K9832.jpg Email Northern Ireland picked up their first competitive victory since September 2017 by easing past Estonia 2-0 at Windsor Park. While Rangers-bound Jordan Jones starred, it was Niall McGinn and Steve Davis who provided the goals to get NI's Euro 2020 qualifying campaign off to a winning start and earn their first three points in nine competitive matches. Both goals came in the second half as Northern Ireland deservedly struck to ease nerves after failing … [Read more...] about Northern Ireland ease past Estonia as Jones stars to help get Euro 2020 campaign off to victorious start